One of the lesser known LaLiga registration rules has come to become a prominent issue for Barcelona as they seek to adjust Neymar’s nationality status in the summer ahead.
League rules stipulate that only three non-EU players can be registered at one time for each club, with the Brazilian winger currently taking up one such space along with Luis Suarez and defender Marlon.
Those hailing from former Spanish colonies need only wait two years before being able to apply for dual nationality, as opposed to five years for other nations.
Joining in 2013, Neymar is eligible for dual nationality and Barcelona are confident of completing the process before the end of the summer to allow greater freedom in the transfer market, despite initial delays and the piles of paperwork involved.
Another player who counts on the club’s non-EU tally is full-back Douglas; the Brazilian has finished his loan at Sporting Gijon and returns to Catalonia to pose a difficulty in this regard, although Barcelona are actively seeking a new club for the
defender.
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